Scientists crack 12-year mystery behind sea star killing epidemic: Bacterium identified as marine mass killer
sea stars
along the
Pacific coast
of North America, scientists have finally identified the cause of the catastrophic sea star wasting epidemic, marking a pivotal moment in marine science and ecological recovery efforts.
The crisis began in 2013, with sea stars from Mexico to Alaska rapidly succumbing to a mysterious wasting disease. Affected creatures exhibited gruesome symptoms: white lesions appeared on their bodies, their arms twisted and fell off, and ultimately, their bodies disintegrated into mush within days. The outbreak decimated at least 20 species, but none more so than the
sunflower sea star
(
Pycnopodia
helianthoides
)—whose global population crashed by approximately 90–94% in just five years, with California suffering a staggering 99% loss.
Productivity Tool
Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide
By Metla Sudha Sekhar
View Program
Finance
Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory
By Dinesh Nagpal
View Program
Finance
Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code
By CA Rahul Gupta
View Program
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel
By Neil Patel
View Program
Finance
Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading
By Kunal Patel
View Program
Productivity Tool
Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide
By Study at home
View Program
Artificial Intelligence
AI For Business Professionals Batch 2
By Ansh Mehra
View Program
Key discovery: The bacterial culprit
In a breakthrough study published Monday in the journal
Nature Ecology and Evolution
, an international research team pinpointed the bacterium
Vibrio pectenicida
as the epidemic's cause. This bacterium, known to also infect shellfish, was found in high concentrations in the coelomic fluid (essentially sea star 'blood') of sick animals, and not in healthy ones—a crucial detail missed in countless earlier investigations that focused on dead tissue samples.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Best SIP Plans for NRIs in Portugal – Get ₹2L Monthly Pension | Invest ₹18K
PB
Learn More
Undo
Dr. Alyssa Gehman, a marine disease ecologist at the
Hakai Institute
, described the impact: 'It's truly quite horrific... healthy sea stars display puffy arms extending outward, while the wasting disease leads to lesions, arm loss, and death.' Lead author Melanie Prentice also relayed the shock the research team felt when they finally isolated the bacterium.
Catastrophic ripple effects across Pacific ecosystems
The loss of sea stars—especially the sunflower sea star—triggered ecosystem upheaval: sea urchin populations, normally kept in check by sea stars, exploded. In turn, unchecked urchins destroyed vast
kelp forests
along the coast. Northern California alone saw up to 95% of kelp forests wiped out, erasing habitats and food sources for countless marine species and undercutting commercial fisheries.
Live Events
'Almost everything that lives on the ground underwater runs away from them when they're coming,' said Dr. Gehman, emphasizing the sea stars' role as a keystone predator. Their loss has been called one of the largest documented marine die-offs.
Recovery and resilience
Now that scientists have finally solved the mystery, attention turns to solutions. Identifying
Vibrio pectenicida
allows researchers to:
Target remaining healthy sea star populations for conservation.
Explore captive breeding and possible reintroduction programs.
Investigate whether some sea stars harbor natural immunity, with the hope that probiotics or other treatments could help build disease resistance.
There is also interest in the role played by warmer ocean temperatures. Similar strains of
Vibrio
are known to amplify in warmer waters, suggesting climate change may exacerbate future outbreaks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IISER Pune & IITB researchers find method to create metal nanoparticles to power disease detectors
Pune: Just like a drop of water on a heated pan turns into tiny droplets, perfectly sized metal dots can be made from a thin layer of a metal. When heated between two surfaces, it breaks into extremely tiny, uniform nanoparticles. Researchers from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have discovered this new method called confined dewetting which brings advanced nanotechnology closer to practical, everyday solutions. Their breakthrough can be applied to build sensors using many metals and surfaces, opening doors for use in medicine, environment monitoring, and industrial quality control. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Published in the journal Small Methods, the study shows how this simple, cost-effective process can create high-quality metal nanoparticles for use in highly sensitive sensors which can detect diseases early or find traces of chemicals in the environment. One of the paper's principal investigators Atikur Rahman said the study provides a theoretical framework explaining how the elasticity and low surface tension of PDMS (a flexible, silicone-based material) reduce particle size and enhance uniformity, offering a blueprint for further advancements using similar materials. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Your Current Make-Up Routine Might Be Aging You Learn More Undo He added, "With applications ranging from medical diagnostics to chemical analysis and beyond, this breakthrough positions confined dewetting as a game-changer in nanotechnology." The study, led by Ayesha Rahman, a research scientist at I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation hosted by IISER Pune, Anirban Sain, a faculty member at the Department of Physics, IIT Bombay , and Atikur Rahman, a faculty in the department of physics, IISER Pune, introduced a simple approach to create uniform, high-density metal nanoparticles on various surfaces, including flat, curved, and microtextured substrates. Rahman added, "The technique can be applied to a variety of substrates, from glass slides to optical fibres. The PDMS (a flexible, silicone-based material) layer shapes the nanoparticles and protects them from oxidation. This results in pure and stable nanoparticles. These properties are important when using the sensing technology in practice." The study received funding from National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems in the department of science and technology (DST) through the I-HUB Quantum Technology Foundation, hosted by IISER Pune, and from a DST-SERB grant. The high level of precision enables the detection of ultra-low concentrations of disease biomarkers such as cancer-related proteins in a patient's blood sample, or minute traces of harmful pollutants like lead in drinking water, paving the way for earlier diagnostics and more effective environmental monitoring. What is Confined Dewetting? Imagine a super-thin layer of metal, about 10,000 times thinner than a human hair, like a gold film spread on a piece of glass When you heat it, the metal starts to bunch into tiny droplets, similar to how water beads up on a non-sticky pan This happens because the metal tries to minimise its surface energy If we squeeze the metal film between two surfaces, like making a sandwich, and apply heat, it breaks up into tiny, uniform droplets that are packed closely together This process is called confined dewetting, and it can be used to make highly sensitive sensors for biomedical and chemical applications How is it done The researchers sandwiched a thin metal film between a substrate and a layer of PDMS (a flexible, silicone-based material) during heating They achieved precise control over the size and spacing of nanoparticles, resulting in particles with minimal size variation and gaps as small as a few nanometres This level of precision is critical for applications requiring consistent and enhanced performance, such as detecting trace amounts of biological or chemical substances Traditional methods of nanoparticle production are based on expensive and complex processes and often do not produce uniform nanoparticles In contrast, the 'confined dewetting' technique, applied on metal films is versatile and can be implemented on a large scale Metals such as silver, gold, copper, and their alloys can be used in this technique, the study said
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
New study reveals simple daily habits that may slow down cognitive decline
As people age, the risk of cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease becomes significantly higher. However, emerging research continues to show that lifestyle plays a powerful role in protecting brain health. Now, a major U.S.-based study has found that moderate, structured lifestyle changes may delay age-related cognitive decline by up to two years. The US POINTER (Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk) study, the largest randomized clinical trial of its kind in the U.S., was designed to test whether everyday lifestyle interventions could help older adults maintain cognitive function. The results of the study, funded by the Alzheimer's Association, were published in the journal JAMA and presented at the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Toronto. How the study was conducted Researchers followed 2,111 cognitively healthy adults aged 60–79 who were sedentary and had risk factors for dementia, such as prediabetes and borderline high blood pressure. Participants were randomly divided into two groups over a two-year period: Structured Intervention Group: Took part in 38 team-based coaching sessions led by trained facilitators. These sessions focused on exercise, diet, brain training, social activity, and vital sign monitoring. Self-Guided Group: Received general information about brain health and selected their own lifestyle changes, with no structured coaching. Both groups underwent physical and cognitive testing every six months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Key Finding Participants in the structured program showed delayed cognitive aging by 1 to 2 years compared to the self-guided group. However, both groups improved their cognitive scores over time, suggesting that even moderate changes can be beneficial. 5 daily habits that help protect brain health Regular aerobic and strength-based exercise Participants were guided to engage in aerobic activity (like walking, cycling, or swimming) for 30 minutes daily, along with strength training and stretching several times a week. Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain and helps reduce inflammation, which supports memory and learning. Following the MIND diet The study emphasized the MIND diet — a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. This included: Daily consumption of green leafy vegetables and berries Use of extra-virgin olive oil Limited intake of processed foods, fried items, cheese, and sugary desserts This diet is rich in antioxidants and nutrients linked to brain protection and vascular health. Tracking vital signs Participants were taught to monitor their own blood pressure, blood sugar, and other vital metrics regularly. Staying informed about these markers helps manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, both of which are linked to cognitive decline. Brain training and mental stimulation Participants used web-based cognitive training programs to engage in memory, attention, and problem-solving exercises. While some debate remains on the long-term impact of these tools, researchers noted improvements in mental engagement and task performance among users. Increased social interaction Social isolation is a known risk factor for dementia. The study encouraged regular social activities, including meeting friends, speaking with new people, or joining group events. Frequent social engagement helps stimulate cognitive function and reduces mental stress.A What's next in brain health research? The US POINTER study is being extended for a four-year follow-up phase, backed by an additional $40 million in funding from the Alzheimer's Association. This will allow researchers to better understand the long-term impact of lifestyle changes on brain aging. Lead researchers also collected data on sleep patterns, brain imaging, and biomarkers, which are yet to be fully analyzed. These results could further clarify which lifestyle factors most significantly influence brain health.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
THIS tea can 'clean' the brain and prevent Alzheimer's
A new study reveals that a combination of nicotinamide and epigallocatechin gallate, found in green tea, can rejuvenate aging brain cells. The treatment restores energy levels and clears harmful protein buildup linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers observed improved brain cell function and reduced oxidative stress in treated neurons, offering a potential nonpharmaceutical approach to cognitive decline. Imagine decluttering your brain. Tidying it a bit to get rid of things that are damaging your brain. Is it even possible? Well, yes! You can tidy up your brain and even manage progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Wondering how? With the help of a tea! Yes, that's right! A new study has found that a combination of natural compounds will help in brain cleaning. A recent study by researchers at the University of California found that a combination of natural compounds, of which one is found in a tea, restored energy levels in aging brain cells and also cleared harmful protein buildup linked with Alzheimer's disease. The findings are published in the journal GeroScience . Cleaning the brain The new study found that a combination of naturally occurring compounds, nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and epigallocatechin gallate (a green tea antioxidant), can restore the levels of guanosine triphosphate, an essential energy molecule in brain cells. This treatment will remove harmful protein buildup linked with Alzheimer's disease. They added that this promising nonpharmaceutical treatment also rejuvenates aging brain cells. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Biggest Real Estate Discounts Ever at M3M India. Enquire Now! M3M India Book Now Undo They tested the treatment on neurons in a dish and found that it improved the brain cells' ability to clear damaging amyloid protein aggregates linked to Alzheimer's. 'As people age, their brains show a decline in neuronal energy levels, which limits the ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components. We found that restoring energy levels helps neurons regain this critical cleanup function,' lead author Gregory Brewer, adjunct professor of biomedical engineering at UC Irvine, said in a statement. Researchers tracked energy molecule levels in brain cells from aged Alzheimer's model mice using a genetically coded fluorescent sensor called GEVAL. They found the free GTP (guanosine triphosphate) levels reduced with age, especially in mitochondria, leading to impaired autophagy, the process by which cells eliminate damaged components. But when they treated the neurons for just 24 hours with nicotinamide and epigallocatechin gallate, the GTP levels came back to normal. This process improved energy metabolism; activation of key GTPases involved in cellular trafficking, Rab7 and Arl8b; and efficient clearance of amyloid beta aggregates. Oxidative stress, which is another major contributor to neurodegeneration, also went downhill. 'This study highlights GTP as a previously underappreciated energy source driving vital brain functions. By supplementing the brain's energy systems with compounds that are already available as dietary supplements, we may have a new path toward treating age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease,' Brewer said. 'More work is going to be required to find the best way to administer this treatment, since a recent clinical trial involving UC Irvine researchers showed that oral nicotinamide was not very effective because of inactivation in the bloodstream,' he cautioned.
